Application of the Advanced Thermal Analysis System (ATHAS) to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-modulated DSC of polymers

The Advanced THermal Analysis System (ATHAS) involves the establishment of the link between heat capacity at low temperatures and molecular, vibration al motion. This description is then used to extrapolate the vibrational hea t capacities to high temperatures. Next, the measured data can be analyzed in terms of conformational mobility, of importance to assess sample propert ies. Broad melting and glass transitions can thus be analyzed. Modem differ ential scanning calorimetry, DSC, and temperature-modulated DSC, TMDSC, are used to separate reversible and irreversible processes. An effort will be made to suggest when it is possible to apply quick DSC, and when it is nece ssary to use the slower, but more precise and informative TMDSC.